Love is a dominant theme in Western popular culture. It has become central to the meaning of everyday life, propagated through the media and the market. Being in love has become idealized. With the demise of institutional religion in the West, love has become the dominant form of inner-worldly salvation. In Foucault's terms, it has become a key component in the 'arts of existence' and the care of self: to have lived without loving is sinful. In this highly accessible introduction to love of all kinds, Tom Inglis gives a clear, concise picture of how love shapes, and is shaped by, society. How is romantic love linked to capitalism? What is the difference between loving and liking? How does love link to hate, shame and pride? Inglis addresses all these questions, and looks at how today's changing circumstances globalization and increased mobility have changed our perceptions of love and relationships. Lovewill appeal to students and general readers alike.